Nissan is on a roll with its recent redesigns of the Rogue, Sentra, and Altima, and now it’s ready to tackle one of its most iconic models: the Pathfinder. The midsize SUV has been around since 1986, evolving from a body-on-frame truck to a unibody crossover over four generations. Now, Nissan is giving us a glimpse of what the fifth-generation Pathfinder will look like with the 2023 Pathfinder Concept.
The concept vehicle is not a production-ready model but rather a design study showcasing Nissan’s new SUV lineup direction. The Pathfinder Concept features a bold and muscular exterior, a spacious and luxurious interior, and various advanced technologies that aim to make it a versatile and capable family hauler.
Bold and muscular exterior
The Nissan Pathfinder Concept draws inspiration from the original Pathfinder and Nissan's heritage of off-road vehicles such as the Patrol and the Xterra. The front end features a large V-motion grille with chrome accents, LED headlights, and signature boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. The hood has prominent creases that emphasize the width and strength of the vehicle, while the fenders have squared-off edges that give it a rugged look.
The side profile reveals a sleek and aerodynamic shape, with a floating roofline and blacked-out pillars that create a wraparound effect for the windows. The concept rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, hinting at its off-road potential. The roof rails and side steps add functionality and style, while the two-tone paint scheme adds contrast and flair.
The rear end features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights, as well as a large Pathfinder badge across the tailgate. The lower bumper has a skid plate and dual exhaust tips, adding sportiness to the design. The concept also has a panoramic sunroof that lets more light and air into the cabin.
Spacious and luxurious interior
The Pathfinder Concept’s interior is designed to offer comfort and convenience for up to seven passengers. The cabin is spacious and airy, thanks to the large windows, sunroof, and light-colored materials and wood accents. The dashboard features a minimalist and horizontal layout, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console has a rotary dial for selecting drive modes and a wireless charging pad and cup holders.
The seats are upholstered in premium leather with quilted stitching and perforated patterns. The front seats are heated and ventilated, while the second-row seats are heated and can slide and recline for optimal comfort. The third-row seats can fold flat to create more cargo space when needed. The concept also features a Bose premium sound system with 16 speakers, ambient lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a head-up display.
Advanced technologies
The Nissan Pathfinder Concept is packed with technologies that enhance its safety, performance, and connectivity. The concept is equipped with Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.0 system, an advanced driver assistance system that can help with steering, braking, accelerating, and lane changing on highways. The system can also monitor the driver’s attention level and intervene if necessary.
The concept also features Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor, a 360-degree camera system that can help with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The system can also detect moving objects around the vehicle and alert the driver. Other safety features include:
- Blind spot warning.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
- Lane departure warning.
- Forward collision warning.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Traffic sign recognition.
- Automatic rear braking.
The Pathfinder Concept is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels via Nissan’s Intelligent 4x4 system.
The Nissan Pathfinder Concept faces a tough competition in the midsize SUV segment, where it has to contend with rivals such as the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, the Mazda CX-9, and the Chevrolet Traverse.
The Pathfinder Concept is expected to have similar dimensions and seating capacity as the current Pathfinder, which means it can accommodate up to seven passengers in a 2-3-2 configuration. The Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander also offer seven seats, but with a 2-2-3 layout, giving more space and comfort to the second-row occupants. The CX-9 and the Traverse have eight seats, with a 2-3-3 arrangement that maximizes passenger volume.
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